A bedside table may be small, but it’s one of the most important pieces in your bedroom. The right one balances style and function—keeping your essentials within easy reach while elevating the overall look of the room. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from height and size to colour, materials and storage, so you can choose a bedside table that fits both your space and lifestyle.
How High Should a Bedside Table Be?
Height is the first—and often most overlooked—factor when choosing a bedside table. The rule of thumb is simple: your bedside table should sit roughly level with the top of your mattress, give or take a few centimetres.
Most standard beds in Australia, mattress included, measure around 60–70 cm from the floor, so many bedside tables are designed within that height range. A table that’s too low makes it awkward to reach for your phone, lamp or glass of water. Too high, and it looks disproportioned and inconvenient to reach upward every time you need something.
For platform or low-profile beds, you may want a shorter table around 50–55 cm. If you have a plush pillow-top mattress or a taller bed frame, a higher bedside table up to 75 cm will feel more balanced. Alignment is everything—when you can roll over and grab what you need without stretching, the height is just right.
Should Bedside Tables Be Taller Than the Bed?
If you have to choose between slightly taller or slightly shorter, go taller. A bedside table that sits just above the mattress—by a few centimetres—is both practical and visually balanced. It keeps items within comfortable reach and ensures that lamps sit at a more proportionate height next to the bed.
A shorter table can still work with modern, low-profile beds, but for most Australian homes, a slightly taller table simply feels more natural and offers better functionality. Designers often use this technique to create vertical balance, especially with thicker mattresses or statement headboards.
Choosing the Right Bedside Table for a Small Bedroom
In small bedrooms, bulky tables with oversized drawers can quickly overwhelm the room. Instead, look for slim or multifunctional designs that offer storage without taking up too much space.
Some great space-saving options include:
- Slim-profile tables with a drawer and an open shelf for books or baskets
- Floating shelves or wall-mounted bedside tables to free up floor space
- Compact cubes or stools that double as seating or accent pieces
- Bedside tables with built-in charging stations to reduce cord clutter
Aim to maintain 60–75 cm of walkway clearance around the bed so the room doesn’t feel cramped.
If your room is extremely compact, consider skipping the traditional pair. A single, well-styled bedside table can still look polished, balanced and intentional.
Colour and Finish Considerations
While natural timber, black and white remain popular in Australia, coloured bedside tables can bring personality to your room. Shades like navy, sage green or charcoal add depth without overwhelming the space.
For example, a navy bedside table against neutral walls adds contrast and sophistication. Softer tones such as dusty green-grey or blush create a calm, cosy feel—perfect for relaxed Australian bedrooms.
When in doubt, link the colour to another element in the room, such as the rug, bedding or an accent chair. This creates harmony without needing everything to match perfectly.
Neutrals, however, remain a safe and timeless choice. Natural oak, walnut, white, grey and black are versatile and fit effortlessly into most interior styles. Earthy tones—like clay, taupe and olive—are also trending in Australia, bringing warmth without dominating the room.
Material and Style Choices
Beyond height and colour, materials make a big difference in how your bedside table looks and performs over time.
Wood
Solid Wood
Solid timber—such as oak, walnut, maple or pine—is durable, long-lasting and can be refinished. Each piece has unique grain patterns, giving it a premium, natural feel. It costs more but often becomes an investment piece that ages beautifully.
Engineered Wood
MDF or plywood options are more affordable, stable and often finished with veneers or laminates to mimic natural wood. They’re great value for rentals, guest rooms or budget-friendly makeovers, though they don’t last as long as solid timber.
Metal & Glass
Ideal for modern or industrial-style bedrooms, metal and glass offer a sleek, contemporary look. They’re visually lighter but don’t give the same warmth as timber, so they’re often used as accent pieces.
Rattan or Cane
Perfect for coastal, boho or relaxed Australian interiors, rattan adds texture and a breezy, natural feel. They are lightweight but less durable than timber or metal.
Stone or Marble Tops
For a touch of luxury, marble or stone-topped tables are durable and stylish. Natural stone requires care due to its porous nature, but faux marble options offer a similar look with lower maintenance.
Mixing materials is increasingly common—think a timber bed with metal tables or a fabric headboard paired with stone-top nightstands. Matching sets are no longer required in modern Australian styling.
Practical Features to Consider
Bedside tables work hard every day, so think about how you actually use yours:
- Storage: Do you need drawers for clutter, or open shelves for books and décor?
- Cable management: Built-in charging ports or cord cut-outs can keep your bedside tidy.
- Proportion: A bedside table should be roughly one-third the width of your bed to stay visually balanced.
- Lighting: When seated in bed, the bottom of the lampshade should sit around shoulder height—this depends on the height of both the table and lamp.
Final Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bedside Table
Don’t feel pressured to stick with a matching bedroom set. Some of the best interiors mix shapes, colours and materials to create depth and balance.
Quality matters too. At Tribesigns, we design bedside tables that blend practicality with style. Our range includes both solid timber and engineered wood options, featuring different shapes, sizes and storage solutions—from minimalist designs to generous storage drawers. Whether you’re furnishing a compact room or a spacious master suite, there’s a piece built to suit your needs.
We’re also committed to sustainability. For every purchase, Tribesigns donates to plant one tree—supporting reforestation efforts and healthier ecosystems worldwide.
A bedside table is more than just a place to put your phone—it anchors your bed, shapes the room and supports your everyday routine. With Tribesigns, you’ll find a piece that’s stylish, functional and eco-conscious—one that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
